New safety measures for e-bike listings on eBay

eBay has announced a ban on the private sale of e-bikes and e-bike batteries in the UK due to fire safety concerns.

As reported by the Fire Protection Association, the ban will take effect from 31 October 2024, prohibiting private individuals from listing these items.

Only business sellers deemed “eligible” by eBay will be allowed to sell e-bikes and their batteries on the platform.

A spokesperson for eBay said the company is prioritising consumer safety: “To further improve consumer safety on our marketplace, from 31 October 2024, only eligible business sellers will be able to list e-bikes and e-bike batteries for sale in the UK.”

Concerns about lithium-ion battery fires increase

Fire safety concerns regarding e-bikes have been rising, with lithium-ion battery fires a growing issue.

The London Fire Brigade reported 155 e-bike fires in 2023, an increase of 78% from the previous year.

Insurance company Aviva also noted a 7% rise in claims for fire damage caused by lithium-ion batteries during 2022 and 2023.

One incident involved significant damage to a property after an e-bike with a second-hand battery was left charging unattended.

Aviva’s senior underwriting manager, Hannah Davidson, stated: “Devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as e-bikes, are generally safe, but faulty batteries or improper charging can present a fire risk.”

Charity supports eBay’s new policy

The charity Electrical Safety First has praised eBay’s decision to limit private sales of unverified e-bike batteries.

The organisation believes this move will help reduce the risks posed by faulty or substandard products.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We are encouraged to see eBay take proactive steps in an attempt to reduce the risk of substandard batteries entering people’s homes, as they pose a serious risk of fire if they fail.”

The charity continues to call for legislation that mandates online marketplaces to take responsibility for the safety of products sold on their platforms.

They also hope for stricter certification and regulations for e-bikes and their batteries.

Unclear guidelines for eligible sellers

While the ban restricts private sales, it remains unclear what criteria eBay will use to determine which business sellers are eligible to list e-bikes and e-bike batteries.

As reported by Business Matters, eBay has not yet provided specific details on these eligibility requirements.

There are expectations for further clarification on how the platform will enforce its policy and which businesses will qualify under the new rules.

eBay restricts private e-bike and battery sales in the UK: Summary

From 31 October 2024, eBay will ban the private sale of e-bikes and e-bike batteries in the UK, allowing only eligible business sellers to list these products.

This decision follows increasing concerns about lithium-ion battery fires, with incidents such as the London Fire Brigade reporting a 78% rise in e-bike fires in 2023.

Insurance claims related to battery fires have also increased.

The charity Electrical Safety First supports the move and calls for further regulations to ensure product safety.

eBay has yet to provide detailed criteria for eligible sellers under this new policy.